Remixing nature : a visual exploration in the manipulation of fruit and vegetables

Abstract

This thesis explores the ways in which nature is manipulated to suit humans' needs, which has been practiced since pre-history, in order to provide food. As one of the discussed methods, genetically modified foods are the subject of much controversy, due to them being deemed unnatural amongst other things. The study does not aim to take any sides in this controversy, but rather offers the idea that food in the past was not as natural as many think. This remixing of food/nature is explored in parallel to the way that related information is also many times remixed, thus creating a blurred boundary between fact and fiction. These themes are examined from a postmodern perspective, which also has borrowing and manipulating ideas as part of its ideology.

The physical project focuses on fruit as its theme. It presents a number of ideas taken from different sources, which have been compiled into a printed book. This book presents an imaginary scenario of what Mediterranean fruits could look like in the future. It includes a collage of both real and fake material which aims to make a viewer question what is true and what is not.